Exodus 29:3

KJV

And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put {H5414} them into one {H259} basket {H5536}, and bring {H7126} them in the basket {H5536}, with the bullock {H6499} and the two {H8147} rams {H352}.

Complete Jewish Bible

put them together in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams.

Berean Standard Bible

put them in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:3 meticulously details a foundational preparatory step in the elaborate consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, as divinely commanded by God to Moses. This verse specifies the precise assembly of the required offerings: the unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers (previously mentioned in verse 2) gathered into a single basket, to be presented alongside a bullock and two rams. These elements collectively formed the essential components for the sacred rituals that would set apart the priests for their holy service in the Tabernacle, underscoring the divine demand for order, purity, and comprehensive provision in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a lengthy and detailed set of instructions given by Yahweh to Moses in [Exodus chapter 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). The chapter's overarching theme is the meticulous process of consecrating Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, thereby establishing the mediatorial office for Israel. [Exodus 29:1](/exodus/29-1 "Exodus 29:1 - Instructions for Priestly Consecration") introduces the purpose of the ceremony, while [Exodus 29:2](/exodus/29-2 "Exodus 29:2 - Contents of the Basket") specifies the grain offerings—unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers—that are to be placed in the basket. Verse 3 then commands the collection of these grain offerings into "one basket" and their presentation alongside the animal sacrifices (the bullock and two rams). The subsequent verses in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration Rituals") outline the specific rituals for each offering: the bullock for a sin offering (vv. 10-14), one ram for a burnt offering (vv. 15-18), and the second ram for the unique "ram of consecration" (vv. 19-34). Thus, verse 3 serves as the initial logistical instruction for gathering all the necessary components before the sacrificial rites commence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Establishing the Priesthood") are given at a pivotal moment in Israel's history: following the giving of the Law at Sinai and prior to the full erection and operation of the Tabernacle. The establishment of a divinely appointed priesthood was essential for the functioning of the Mosaic Covenant, as priests were the designated mediators between a holy God and His people. The offerings mentioned in [Exodus 29:3](/exodus/29-3 "Exodus 29:3 - Offerings for Consecration")—unleavened bread, cakes, wafers, a bullock, and two rams—were standard elements in Israelite sacrificial worship, each carrying specific significance. Unleavened bread symbolized purity and readiness, often associated with grain offerings (*minchah*) that expressed devotion and thanksgiving. The bullock, a costly and significant animal, was typically used for sin offerings, particularly for priests or the entire congregation, emphasizing the need for purification even for those entering sacred service. The two rams served different purposes: one for a burnt offering (*olah*), signifying complete dedication to God, and the other for the unique "ram of consecration," which, through its blood and specific preparation, ritually empowered the priests for their office. The meticulous detail in this verse and throughout the chapter underscores the profound holiness of God and the seriousness with which His service was to be approached in ancient Israel. The actual execution of these commands is later recorded in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:3 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Prescription and Obedience**, emphasizing that access to God and service within His covenant are strictly governed by His detailed commands. The meticulous listing of items and their precise arrangement underscores the importance of human obedience to divine instruction. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, as the offerings (especially the unleavened bread and the bullock for sin) signify the necessary purification and separation required for those who would draw near to a holy God. This foreshadows the broader call for Israel to be a holy nation ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel, a Holy Nation")). Finally, it is foundational to the theme of **Mediation and Atonement**, as these offerings are the very means by which Aaron and his sons are consecrated to mediate between God and His people, demonstrating that atonement is prerequisite for sacred service and that God Himself provides the means for reconciliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Basket (Hebrew, _sal'_):** Derived from a root suggesting a willow twig or osier, this noun specifically refers to a woven container. In this context, its significance lies not in its material but in its designated function as the receptacle for the unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers mentioned in [Exodus 29:2](/exodus/29-2 "Exodus 29:2 - Contents of the Basket"). The instruction to place "them into one basket" highlights divine precision and the unity of this particular grain offering, emphasizing the ordered and prescribed manner in which all elements for sacred service were to be prepared and presented.
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** This term denotes a young bull, apparently named from its characteristic of "breaking forth in wild strength." In the Mosaic sacrificial system, a bullock was a significant and costly animal, frequently prescribed for sin offerings (*chatta't*), particularly when atonement was required for the high priest or the entire community (cf. [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering")). Its inclusion in the priestly consecration ceremony underscores the fundamental need for purification and atonement even for those divinely chosen to mediate between God and humanity. The bullock's sacrifice would ritually cleanse the priests from impurity, making them fit for holy service.
* **Rams (Hebrew, _'ayil'_):** From a root word meaning "strength," this term refers to male sheep, likely so named due to their inherent strength. Two rams are specified in this consecration ritual, each serving a distinct purpose. One ram was designated for a burnt offering (*'olah*), symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. The second ram was uniquely termed the "ram of consecration" (*'eil hammillu'im*), whose blood was applied to Aaron and his sons' right ear, thumb, and toe, and whose fat and specific portions were waved before the Lord. This unique offering symbolized the priests' full endowment and enablement for their sacred office, signifying that their entire being—hearing, action, and walk—was consecrated to God's service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put them into one basket":** "Them" refers directly to the unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers detailed in [Exodus 29:2](/exodus/29-2 "Exodus 29:2 - The Grain Offerings"). The command to gather these distinct grain offerings into "one basket" emphasizes the unity and completeness of this specific component of the consecration ceremony. It signifies that these various forms of bread are to be presented as a single, coherent offering, prepared precisely according to divine instruction. This meticulous detail underscores the importance of order, obedience, and the holistic nature of the offerings required for sacred service.
* **"and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams":** This clause specifies the collective presentation of all the major sacrificial elements. The "basket" containing the grain offerings is not to be brought in isolation but alongside the designated animal sacrifices: the bullock and the two rams. This instruction highlights the comprehensive nature of the consecration ceremony, which involved multiple types of offerings—grain offerings (symbolizing provision and devotion), a sin offering (for purification), a burnt offering (for complete dedication), and a unique consecration offering (for enablement). The simultaneous presentation of these diverse elements underscores that the priests' readiness for service was multifaceted, requiring atonement, dedication, and divine empowerment, all presented in a divinely prescribed, unified manner.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 29:3, and indeed throughout the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its service, is **Precision and Detail**. The meticulous enumeration of items ("one basket," "the bullock," "the two rams") and the exact manner of their presentation underscore God's absolute holiness and the seriousness with which His worship and service were to be approached. This divine insistence on specific quantities, types, and containers communicates a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, and His sacred space and service demand exact adherence to His commands. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** embedded within the enumerated items. While not explicitly stated as symbols, the collective offerings—the pure, unleavened bread; the bullock for sin; and the rams for dedication and empowerment—symbolically represent the comprehensive purification, complete surrender, and divine enablement required for the priests to mediate between a holy God and His people. The "one basket" itself subtly symbolizes the unity and completeness of the grain offering as a distinct yet integrated part of the larger consecration package.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:3, in its precise enumeration of offerings for priestly consecration, powerfully connects to the overarching theological themes of holiness, mediation, and atonement. The meticulous nature of God's instructions reveals His demand for absolute purity and order in approaching Him, emphasizing that access to His presence is not casual but requires divine appointment and provision. The diverse offerings—purification, dedication, and enablement—collectively underscore the comprehensive work necessary to set apart individuals for sacred service, highlighting that human effort alone is insufficient. This verse foreshadows the necessity of a perfect sacrifice and a perfect mediator, themes that find their ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant.

* [Leviticus 8:2](/leviticus/8-2 "Leviticus 8:2 - Execution of Priestly Consecration")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of Exodus 29:3 belong to the Old Covenant, their underlying principles resonate deeply with New Testament believers, who are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The meticulous preparation and diverse offerings required for Aaron and his sons serve as a powerful reminder of the seriousness and intentionality with which we should approach our own service to God. Just as the ancient priests were consecrated through a divinely prescribed process involving purification, dedication, and enablement, so too are believers called to present their entire lives—their bodies, minds, and spirits—as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")), holy and acceptable to God. This involves a conscious commitment to spiritual purity, a complete surrender of our will to His, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for empowerment. Our "offerings" today are not animals or grain, but our worship, our talents, our resources, and our obedience, all presented with reverence and a desire to honor the God who has consecrated us through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for priestly consecration in Exodus 29:3 inform our understanding of His holiness and the seriousness of spiritual service today?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Testament believers, "prepare" ourselves for service to God with the same intentionality and reverence demonstrated in this Old Testament command?**
* **Considering the diverse offerings presented (purification, dedication, enablement), what "offerings" (e.g., time, talent, resources, our very lives) are we called to bring to God in our "royal priesthood" today?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many different types of offerings required for the consecration of the priests?**

Answer: The various offerings—the bullock, the two rams, and the contents of the basket (unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers)—each served distinct yet complementary purposes in the comprehensive consecration of Aaron and his sons. The bullock was primarily for a sin offering ([Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering")), emphasizing the necessity of purification and atonement for sin, even for those entering sacred service. One ram was for a burnt offering ([Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering")), symbolizing complete dedication and surrender to God. The second ram, the "ram of consecration," was unique to this ceremony, ritually empowering the priests for their office. The unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers, as a grain offering, symbolized sustenance, provision, and the purity of their service. Together, these offerings addressed the multifaceted requirements for holiness, atonement, dedication, and divine enablement, ensuring the priests were fully prepared and acceptable to mediate between a holy God and His people.

**What is the significance of "one basket" for the bread offerings?**

Answer: The instruction to put the unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers into "one basket" ([Exodus 29:3](/exodus/29-3 "Exodus 29:3 - The Basket of Offerings")) emphasizes the unity and completeness of this specific grain offering. It signifies that these distinct forms of bread were to be presented as a single, coherent component of the larger consecration ceremony. This meticulous detail underscores God's desire for order, precision, and obedience in worship. It also highlights that this particular "bread offering" was a unified package, distinct yet integral to the overall consecration process, ensuring that the offerings were presented exactly as God commanded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:3, with its detailed instructions for the consecration offerings, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The bullock and rams, offered for sin and dedication, point directly to Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, whose "blood cleanses us from all sin" ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Unlike the Levitical priests who required repeated sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people, Jesus, our great High Priest, "offered himself without blemish to God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), a "once for all" sacrifice that perfectly atones for sin and consecrates His people ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). The unleavened bread in the basket, symbolizing purity and sustenance, can be seen as a type of Christ Himself, who declared, "I am the bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing spiritual nourishment to those who believe. Furthermore, the entire meticulous process of priestly consecration, setting apart mediators for God's people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the perfect and eternal Mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")). Through His finished work, believers are no longer consecrated by animal sacrifices and ritual washings, but by His blood and the indwelling Holy Spirit, becoming a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), able to draw near to God with confidence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 8:26

And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that [was] before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put [them] on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:

Leviticus 8:2

Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

Leviticus 8:31

¶ And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that [is] in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

Numbers 6:17

And he shall offer the ram [for] a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.